Laser Microdissection Using Polymer Transfer Film
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser microdissection techniques are inefficient and imprecise for capturing targeted regions of biological material, especially when dealing with moisture-containing samples like live cells from cell cultures, as they often damage the cells and are not suitable for hydrated samples.
Innovation Solution
A modified laser microdissection method using a polymer transfer film that selectively absorbs near-infrared laser light, allowing for precise adhesion and removal of targeted cells or cell clusters without causing significant damage, and can handle both dry and hydrated samples by using a carrier with standoffs to prevent unwanted material transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional laser microdissection is used on hydrated samples, then the laser can cut through the sample, but the cells are damaged and the method is unsuitable for live cells
Solution Approach 1:
A polymer transfer film is introduced as an intermediary between the laser and the biological sample. The film absorbs the laser energy and transfers it through controlled adhesion to capture targeted regions, preventing direct laser damage to live cells while maintaining efficient capture capability
Solution Approach 2:
The method changes the physical state parameter by using a polymer film that can transition between adhered and non-adhered states. This allows the system to capture hydrated samples without requiring them to be in a dry state, expanding the range of viable sample conditions
2Manufacturing precision
If a polymer transfer film is used to capture targeted cells, then precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer transfer film serves multiple functions: it acts as a laser energy absorber, a transfer medium for targeted regions, and a protective barrier for live cells. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, offsetting the added complexity with operational versatility
3Productivity
If the polymer film is placed directly on the tissue sample, then capture efficiency is improved, but unwanted material is transferred along with targeted cells
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the interaction between the polymer film and tissue sample by using a frame structure that creates discrete contact points. This segmentation allows the film to adhere to and capture targeted cells while preventing unnecessary adhesion of surrounding unwanted material
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer film exhibits different adhesion properties in different locations: it adheres strongly to targeted regions where laser energy is applied, while maintaining non-adhesive properties in non-targeted areas. This local differentiation of adhesion quality enables selective capture without contaminating the sample with unwanted material
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise and efficient capture of targeted biological material, including live cells, with minimal damage, allowing for further analysis and processing, and can handle both dry and hydrated samples effectively.
Implementation Method 1
A modified laser microdissection method using a polymer transfer film that selectively absorbs near-infrared laser light
Implementation Method 2
When the film is exposed to the focused laser beam the exposed region is heated by the laser and melts
Implementation Method 3
the exposed region is heated by the laser and melts
Implementation Method 4
adhering to the tissue in the region that was exposed
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for automated laser microdissection are disclosed. In one variation, targeted biological material is manually or automatically selected and a transfer film is placed in juxtaposition to the location of an interior of a cut path. In another variation, a sample of biological material is mounted onto a polymer membrane which is then placed onto a substrate. Targeted biological material is manually or automatically selected and a transfer film is placed in juxtaposition with the targeted biological material on the side of the biological material. In yet another variation, a sample of biological material is mounted onto a polymer membrane which is then inverted onto a substrate. Targeted biological material is manually or automatically selected and a transfer film is placed in juxtaposition with the targeted biological material on the side of the polymer membrane. Then, an UV laser cuts along a cut path around the targeted portions of biological material in a closed cut path or a substantially closed cut path defining an interior and an exterior portion of the tissue sample. In a substantially closed cut path, bridges are left spanning the interior of the cut path and the exterior of the cut path. An IR laser activates at least a portion of the transfer film such that the transfer film in the vicinity of targeted portion adheres to the biological material interior to the cut path. The transfer film is then removed separating the targeted portions of biological material which are adhered to the transfer film from the remaining portion of the tissue sample.